Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine + Pimozide
Severity: Moderate
Dihydroergotamine and Pimozide: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Dihydroergotamine has serotonergic and dopaminergic activity, which in theory can enhance dopamine blockade or serotonergic toxicity alongside an antipsychotic. Dihydroergotamine is also a CYP3A4 substrate, and pimozide is not a significant CYP3A4 inhibitor, so the concern is mainly pharmacodynamic and theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine and Pimozide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic effects on serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways; no well-established mechanism.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome such as hyperthermia, rigidity and altered mental status. Avoid additional serotonergic drugs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Pimozide
- Adagrasib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dihydroergotamine and Pimozide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Dihydroergotamine has serotonergic and dopaminergic activity, which in theory can enhance dopamine blockade or serotonergic toxicity alongside an antipsychotic. Dihydroergotamine is also a CYP3A4 substrate, and pimozide is not a significant CYP3A4 inhibitor, so the concern is mainly pharmacodynamic and theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine and Pimozide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome such as hyperthermia, rigidity and altered mental status. Avoid additional serotonergic drugs.
What other medicines interact with Pimozide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pimozide with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Pimozide page.
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